Do you have a panic attack and can’t sleep? What is a panic attack? Those that have had a panic attack describe it as a highly intense sense of anxiety or worry which overcomes them for no particular reason. Having a panic attack can last up to 30 minutes and start with a feeling of defensive uneasiness which is a sign that one is imminent and often occurs during normal situations. My mother was just sitting at home when she had a panic attack and thought she was having a heart attack as she experienced nausea, shortness of breath, sweating and heart palpitations. These symptoms can create further panic which intensifies the attack. People can suffer from panic attacks differently by their intensity and duration as well as with people who have an underlying mental or physical condition to those that are perfectly fine.
Panic Attack Can't Sleep
What causes panic attacks? Genetics plays a role as panic attacks can run in families. They can also stem from a physical aliment, chronic illness, vitamin deficiency or parasitic infection. Some prescription medication can cause panic attacks as a side effect while some suffers can associate them to over consumption of alcohol or drug use. Panic attacks are a part of the body’s natural self-defense mechanism as they are meant to save you from harm as part of the “fight or flight” response which serves to protect us from dangerous situations. If you have a panic attack in normal and safe situations it can cause you to become incapacitated and prevent you from living a normal productive life.
Panic attacks can affect our sleep. If you have a sleep disorder such as chronic insomnia you may want to find out whether your attacks are causing you to have sleepless nights. Sometimes it is the other way around and insomnia is the cause of the panic attack. Whether lack of sleep is causing your panic attack or worrying, anxiety, panic or your heart increases when you can’t sleep, you should contact your doctor as he may recommend a sleep specialist, therapy and/or medication to treat your symptoms. Some people choose to try a natural herbal supplement to relieve them of anxiety and promote relaxation instead of prescription medication that can cause side effects and dependency.
Choosing the right natural herbs for anxiety and panic attacks that will help reduce nervousness, nervous tension and occasional social anxiety (not recommended for social anxiety disorder) are:
Valerian Root as it promotes relaxation and relieves occasional anxiety and panic attacks that are caused by everyday stress.
Passion Flower a non-drowsy natural sedative that relieves nervousness, anxiety and panic attacks.
Winter Cherry relieves anxiety, stress and has a high content of melatonin, the hormone that regulates the body’s sleep-wake cycle. See: Tart Cherry Juice: A Natural Sleep Aide to Improve Sleep and Other Age-Related Conditions
5-HTP acts as a precursor to Serotonin, the neurotransmitter that regulates mood balance and harmony.
Panic Attack Can't Sleep
Rhodiola Rosea is recognized for relieving occasional anxiety and supports the body during times of stress.
St. Johns Wort has been clinically proven as a natural uptake inhibitor and may promote a healthy neurotransmitter balance.
These herbs for anxiety strengthen the body during periods of stress while promoting relaxation. You can find these herbs in a capsule form alone or in an herbal blend and they are available online, at your local health food store or pharmacy.
Natural herbs for panic attack and anxiety cannot treat, cure or diagnose a disease or disorder. They may, however, help to promote a positive mood balance and support healthy neurotransmitter function. Anxiety attack herbs may also help as a sleep aide to promote relaxation to lower stress, potentially reducing the instance of occasional anxiety or panic attack.
Your body needs to sleep easy in order to recuperate from long hours of work or play. Sleep helps regenerate your mind and body so you will be able to function during the day. Lack of sleep can cause you to feel irritable, lack of focus, restless and over time can cause conditions such as heart decease, obesity, diabetes and even depression.
As you would expect lack of sleep can lead to panic attacks because your mind can not ‘turn off’ therefore causing stress and anxiety. If you are prone to panic attacks and can’t sleep your doctor will be able to determine which treatment is right for you. The content provided is for information purposes only, intended to raise the awareness of different solutions for sleep problems and should not be considered medical advice. For medical diagnosis and treatment, please see your qualified health-care professional.
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